Unbeaten Lassiter, Roswell meet for region title

They're unbeaten and untied. And they’re unranked.

The coaches at Lassiter and Roswell aren’t concerned with that, but each concedes that a victory Friday night against another 9-0 team would be a statement. It also would be a championship. The winner takes the title in Region 6-AAAAA.

"I think it’s a good way to see if we are in that upper-echelon of football teams in the state of Georgia,’’ said Lassiter coach Chip Lindsey, whose team could claim its first region title and 10-0 regular season in its 28-year history. “Roswell has been there, done that. For us, our kids and school haven’t been in a big game like this in forever. Win, lose or draw, we’ll find out where we are.’’

This is one of 10 games this weekend that will settle region titles. Only one other -- Jefferson vs. East Jackson in Region 8-AA -- matches 9-0 teams.

The lack of a state ranking for Roswell and Lassiter is as much an issue of depth and uncertainty in Class AAAAA than a reflection on the ability of either team. Each is ranked in at least one other poll, but not with the AJC.

"We don't want anything given to us; we want to earn it,’’ said Roswell’s Leo Barker, in his second season as head coach. “Everyone is going to come up with their own opinion. We love the opportunity to go against another 9-0 team.’’

A high-scoring game is expected. Lassiter averages 38 points per game, and Roswell averages 36.3, but their styles are different.

Lassiter runs a no-huddle, spread offense with record-setting quarterback Hutson Mason, who operates almost exclusively from the shotgun formation.

Mason is 206-of-282 passing for 2,989 yards and 35 touchdowns and has thrown only three interceptions. Lassiter’s leading rusher, freshman Tyren Jones, has more yards receiving (581) than rushing (254).

Roswell has been an I-formation team for years. The leading rushers are Duvall Smith (870 yards rushing) and Martez Sumley (634). Roswell often employs two fullbacks.

But Roswell is the more balanced team. Quarterback Brian Hickman has thrown for 811 yards. Receiver Chris Boyd, who has committed to Vanderbilt, has 24 catches for 452 yards and seven touchdowns.

"I think whoever has the ball last wins,’’ said Roswell offensive coordinator T.J. Dickson. ”I run the offense, so that’s the way I think.’’